Neither Nintendo or GameStop has responded officially to the claims. Nintendo UK, however, has confirmed to MCV that there are currently no plans to withdraw the SKU from the UK market.

But there could still be some bad news on the horizon for the console in the UK.

MCV has been told from sources in UK retail that some retailers – including leading national GAME – are reassessing the shelf space they allocate to Nintendo’s machine.

Indeed, GAME is understood in some stores to be relegating the Wii U from its current wall bay display spaces to smaller, less prominent floor areas. And unless sales of the machine and its software pick up it could be reduced further still to make room for PS4 and Xbox One later this year.

Nintendo told MCV that it does not comment on rumour and speculation while GAME has not answered enquiries on the subject.

MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by NewBay Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets.